Wisdom Teeth Removal
Although it may not be necessary to remove your wisdom teeth, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons states that about 85% of third molars eventually need to be removed.
Purpose
There are a number of reasons why removing wisdom teeth is necessary. For instance, they are not in the right position, causing problems with surrounding teeth. Or you may not have enough room in your jawbone to accommodate wisdom teeth, and if you have difficulty cleaning them it could lead to tooth decay or gum disease.
The Surgery
Your dentist may be able to remove your wisdom teeth as they would a regular tooth—numbing the area around the tooth and pulling it out. Some teeth may require more invasive procedures, such as cutting the gum in order to reach and remove the tooth.
Recovery
Recovery from wisdom tooth removal depends on the type of removal process, but usually takes just a few days. Expect to feel bruised and sore as the gums and jawbone heal.
When They Can Stay
If your wisdom teeth don’t present any problems, your dentist will most likely leave them in. However, it’s important for you to see your dentist regularly in order to make sure you don’t develop any problems such as tooth decay or gum disease.
Risks
If you don’t have your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist should monitor them to make sure no problems develop, such as:
- Infection: If the wisdom teeth are not properly cleaned, an infection could develop due to gum disease.
- Pain: Your wisdom teeth may shift over time or as they come in, pushing on your other teeth and causing pain.
- Cavities: Difficulty reaching your wisdom teeth for proper brushing and flossing could lead to cavities.
When to See a Dentist
Continue to see your dentist every six months so they can monitor the emergence of your wisdom teeth. Also, if you start to experience pain around your wisdom teeth, see your dentist for an exam in order to diagnose the possible cause.
Summary
Not everyone has the full number of wisdom teeth, or even any wisdom teeth at all. For those who do, many have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid future problems with their other teeth. If they are not removed, your dentist should monitor them to avoid problems in the future.
A Word From Verywell
Having your wisdom teeth removed can help you avoid dental problems in the future. Talking with your dentist is important to see if removal is the right choice for you. Even if you keep them, make sure you take care of them to maintain a healthy mouth.